Wisconsin Rapids, WI— The Rafters squeeze out a victory by winning 3-2 as they make it 3 in and row and sweep the Wausau Woodchucks. They out hit Wausau 4-3
The Woodchucks struck first as Brady Jurgella drove a solo home run into deep right center field to give the Woodchucks the lead. Then the hitting continued for Wausau, Vincent Samuel doubled into right field. Following it up with an RBI double was catcher, Matt Mcgann, that sent Samuel home to give the Woodchucks an early 2-0 lead in the top of the 2nd.
The Elon product, Alex Duffey, got the hits started for Wisconsin Rapids as he flied a ball into right field that stayed fair on the 3rd base line. Shortly after the returning rafter, Chris Conniff, smacked a 2 run shot into right center field to tie the game at 2 a piece.
It was a pitching duel between the two bullpens as the Rafters and the Woodchucks both had 7 strikeouts each. Brett Porthan got the start on the mound for Wisconsin Rapids as he had 2.2 IP before he left the game with an apparent shoulder injury. Hayden Cody came in and did not allow any runs relying on his infield to make some great plays. It was a back and forth game on the defensive side of the ball and it was scoreless for 3 straight innings until the Rafters took the lead.
In the bottom of the 7th, Garret Broussard recorded the 4th and final hit of the game as he drove a ball into center field to get on base. Shane Taylor was up next and was hit in the back by a pitch which put two runners on. Broussard and Taylor eventually both advanced the bases and got to 2nd and 3rd. Alex Duffey then grounded a ball into the first basemen which allowed Broussard to get home and give the Rafters a 3-2 lead. Julian Tristan came on in the 9th inning and retired the side with 3 straight outs acquiring his 3rd save of the year.
The Rafters get back to .500 with a 5-5 record. They are getting hot! They have outscored opponents 15-3 in the past 3 games and their bullpen is continuing to strengthen.
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
